Phillip Island Nature Parks has declared itself fox-free, making way for the release of critically endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoot.
Phillip Island Nature Parks launched its Fox Eradication Program in 2006, working towards the vision of protecting the island’s biodiversity and wildlife, by eliminating the destruction caused by the European red fox. The control program has been hugely successful, after 150 foxes were recorded in 2006, to undetectable levels in 2017. The landmark feat is significant in ensuring Phillip Island’s iconic wildlife, such as penguins and shearwater birds are protected. The comprehensive control program also provides the opportunity to save a native animal from extinction in Victoria - the Eastern Barred Bandicoot – which can now be safely released onto Phillip Island, without any threat.
Due to foxes and habitat loss, the Eastern Barred Bandicoots were wiped out on the mainland, but thanks to the recovery program, Phillip Island will offer these marsupials the best chance of survival in a safe environment. This extraordinary achievement has been made possible by the long-term contributions from Zoos Victoria and the Eastern Barred Bandicoot Recovery Team, who are planning to release Eastern Barred Bandicoots onto Summerland Peninsula on Phillip Island in late October 2017.
The Eastern Barred Bandicoot program and Fox Eradication Program were made possible thanks to generous funding from the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust and Ian Potter Foundation.
The Phillip Island Nature Parks is conducting a series of community information sessions, for more information visit www.penguins.org.au/bandicoots.
Media enquiries: Roland Pick, email rpick@penguins.org.au, phone +61 3 5951 2825.
Phillip Island to release endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoot
Phillip Island Nature Parks has declared itself fox-free, making way for the release of critically endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoot.
Phillip Island Nature Parks launched its Fox Eradication Program in 2006, working towards the vision of protecting the island’s biodiversity and wildlife, by eliminating the destruction caused by the European red fox. The control program has been hugely successful, after 150 foxes were recorded in 2006, to undetectable levels in 2017. The landmark feat is significant in ensuring Phillip Island’s iconic wildlife, such as penguins and shearwater birds are protected. The comprehensive control program also provides the opportunity to save a native animal from extinction in Victoria - the Eastern Barred Bandicoot – which can now be safely released onto Phillip Island, without any threat.
Due to foxes and habitat loss, the Eastern Barred Bandicoots were wiped out on the mainland, but thanks to the recovery program, Phillip Island will offer these marsupials the best chance of survival in a safe environment. This extraordinary achievement has been made possible by the long-term contributions from Zoos Victoria and the Eastern Barred Bandicoot Recovery Team, who are planning to release Eastern Barred Bandicoots onto Summerland Peninsula on Phillip Island in late October 2017.
The Eastern Barred Bandicoot program and Fox Eradication Program were made possible thanks to generous funding from the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust and Ian Potter Foundation.
The Phillip Island Nature Parks is conducting a series of community information sessions, for more information visit www.penguins.org.au/bandicoots.
Media enquiries: Roland Pick, email rpick@penguins.org.au, phone +61 3 5951 2825.
Phillip Island to release endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoot
Phillip Island Nature Parks has declared itself fox-free, making way for the release of critically endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoot.
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